The Stars Are Out! Kicking Off the Disney Nerds Podcast 12th Annual Meet-Up Week at the Sci-Fi Dine-In!
Welcome, fellow Disney Nerds, travelers, and friends! The countdown has officially hit zero! This weekend marks the start of our 12th Annual Disney Nerds Meet-Up week at Walt Disney World, and we are absolutely buzzing! To kick off our post-a-day celebration, we're sharing the perfect first-day tradition that sets the mood for a week of magic, nostalgia, and fun: Lunch at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios!
A Nerdy First Day Tradition
The Sci-Fi Dine-In is more than just a place to eat; it's a time machine and a mood-setter. And nobody understands that better than our very own podcast host, Jimmy, and his wife Kim.
“After the long flight and the frantic morning travel, our first mission is always Sci-Fi,” Jimmy told us. “It forces us to just stop. You trade your sweatpants for a convertible seat and the chaos for a perfectly dark, air-conditioned night sky. As soon as you hear those cheesy monster movie clips and see the waiters rolling out the milkshakes, you know you’re on vacation.”
It's the ultimate dose of immersive Disney detail mixed with a warm hug of American nostalgia. You’re seated in those fabulous classic cars which are actually booths facing a giant screen showing a loop of hilariously campy B-movie trailers, retro cartoons, and delightful public service announcements. It’s pure, delightful, cinematic comfort.
The Cast of the Menu: Jimmy's Family Favorites
The menu at the Sci-Fi Dine-In leans into classic American comfort food, perfect for refueling after a travel day. Jimmy’s family is known for having their personal must-haves, which we think you need to try on your next trip! Here is the FULL MENU so you can decide what you would order.
Fried Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich Fried Chicken Thigh topped with Ham and Melted Swiss Cheese on a bed of Arugula with our Signature Maple Dijon served on a Brioche Bun $22.00
Drive-in BBQ Burger* Our Signature Blend of Beef topped with Smoked Pulled Pork, Cheddar, Lettuce, and Barbecue Sauce served on a Brioche Bun $27.00
And of course you can’t forget the Onion rings!
Crispy Onion Rings Served with Horseradish Dipping Sauce $11.00
Sci-Fi Pro-Tips: Drive-In Insiders' Guide
To make sure your visit to the Sci-Fi Dine-In is out of this world, the Disney Nerds have compiled a few essential tips for first-time travelers and seasoned pros alike:
Book 60 Days Out (Sharp!): This is one of the hardest dining reservations to snag at Hollywood Studios. Set your alarm for 60 days before your arrival (or 60 days before your check-in date if staying on-site). If you can't get it, keep checking in the final 24-48 hours!
Request the Right Seat: The majority of seating is in the convertible cars, which seat 4-6 people side-by-side, all facing the screen. This is great for the show, but less ideal for talking across the table. If you prefer a traditional table where everyone can face each other, ask at check-in for one of the picnic tables in the back row.
The Souvenir Driver's License: This is a fun, non-official perk! If you are sitting in the front-left seat of your car (the "driver's seat"), sometimes your Car Hop will present you with a fun, Sci-Fi-themed souvenir Driver's License. It’s the perfect, free magical detail to ask about!
Check the Runtime: The full loop of movie clips runs for about 45–50 minutes. If you want to see a specific clip or are waiting for a favorite B-movie to return, plan to stay a little longer than a typical meal.
The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is the perfect place to start any Disney vacation. It's an imaginative escape, a delicious meal, and a chance to slow down and enjoy the sheer genius of Disney Imagineering.